Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses. This is generally caused by a virus, and infrequently by a bacterial, or fungal infection.
The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull (behind the forehead, cheeks, and eyes) that are lined with mucous membranes. Healthy sinuses are sterile (meaning that they contain no bacteria or other organisms) and open, allowing mucus to drain and air to circulate.
When inflamed, the sinuses become blocked with mucus and can become infected. Each year, over 30 million adults and children get sinusitis.
Sinusitis can be acute (lasting anywhere from 2 - 8 weeks) or chronic, with symptoms lingering much longer.
Sinusitis usually follows respiratory infections, such as colds, or an allergic reaction. Some people never get sinusitis, and others develop sinusitis frequently.
People more likely to get frequent sinusitis include those with cystic fibrosis and those with immune systems weakened by HIV or chemotherapy.
Other risks for developing sinusitis include:
- Having asthma
- Overusing nasal decongestants (rather than continuing to relieve congestion, the problem gets worse when these are used too often or for too long)
- Having a deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur, or polyp
- Having a foreign body in your nose
- Frequent swimming or diving
- Dental work
- Pregnancy
- Changes in altitude (flying or scuba diving)
- Air pollution and smoke
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hospitalization, especially if you are in the hospital because of a head injury or have had a tube placed into your nose (nasogastric tube)
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